CHRISTMAS PARADE FRIDAY, FIRST NIGHT BUTTONS ON SALE
Last week Santa descended from the roof of City Hall to greet his admirers. This week he will enter town on a Retail Merchant’s Association float as the grand marshal of the City’s annual CHRISTMAS PARADE.
The event is set for Friday, Dec. 7 starting 7 p.m. Santa will float from 6th and Asbury Ave. to 11th and Asbury, then return to the mini park at 9th and Asbury Ave. to greet his friends, pose for photos and distribute treats to children.
The Pitman Hobo Band, Ocean City High School Band and Pennsport String Band will serenade Santa in the manner to which he has become accustomed. Mayor Jay Gillian and First Lady Michele Gillian will represent the City administration along with Councilmen Tony Wilson, Pete Guinosso and Michael DeVlieger.
The Ocean City High School Girl’s Field Hockey State Champions will ride on a Gillian’s Wonderland Float.
There will be costumed characters, floats and an array of area Misses including Miss Ocean City, Devon Vanderslice, Junior Miss Ocean City, Shannon Wallace and Little Miss Ocean City Paige Aita, Plus Miss Night in Venice, Miss Cape May County and Little Miss and Junior Princess CMC. That’s enough royalty to start a court at Stainton’s.
Martin Z. Mollusk and “Elmo” will ride in a car, the Cape May County Sheriff’s Office will bring McGruff and Eagle Eddie. There will be a Marine Corps Color Guard, fire engines and many other features.
The stores on Asbury Ave. are open. Don’t forget to shop before and after the Parade.FIRST NIGHT: New Year’s Eve is less than four weeks away. NOW IS THE TIME to make your plans for the evening. We strongly suggest and indorse Ocean City’s 20th Annual First Night celebration, without question the Best New Year’s Entertainment Value at the Jersey Shore.
First Night offers outstanding entertainment for all ages, from 4 p.m. till midnight capped by a fireworks display, weather permitting. And for just $15 per person. Also included are rides at Wonderland Pier from 5 to 9 p.m. plus miniature golf at Gillian’s Adventure Golf from 2 p.m. till 9 p.m.
There are 60 shows to choose from: Magic Shows, Musicals, Comedy, Japanese Drummers, a Mummer’s String Band, Broadway music, the list goes on and on. You can check out the complete program at the following locations before purchasing your buttons: the Wonderland store at the Stainton Complex, 8th and Asbury Ave. or Chamber of Commerce Complex, 9th St. across from TD Bank. You can also see the complete program at www.firstnightocnj.com and order your buttons online.
The Ocean City Restaurant Assn. will again offer its popular TASTE of the JERSEY SHORE at the High School Cafeteria. You can check the complete menu on the First Night Website and book your reservations on line at www.eatinocnj.com. Price is $20 for adults, $8 for children with hourly seating 4 to 8 p.m. Questions? Call (609) 399-1412 or (609) 525-9300.FREE CHRISTMAS BUFFET: Peaches Lukens of Ocean City has organized a Good Samaritan Christmas Buffet in Ocean City for 23 years. All are invited to this event held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Christmas Day at St. Peters Methodist Church, 8th and Central Ave.

No reservations are required and “our home cooked meal is free to all who need company, a good meal and some great cheer,” says Peaches.
There will be live entertainment and all the food you can eat! Take outs and deliveries are available. Transportation to and from dinner provided. Handicapped access. ” We hope you’ll come and join us,” says Peaches. For more information, call (609)398-8781.(Dec. 6) The Ocean City PTA SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Intermediate School, 1801 Bay Ave. Vendors, cookies for sale, and much more. For Information, contact Sarah McDowell at SarahMcDowell@comcast.net.(Dec.6-8) The Ocean City High School Drama Club will perform a CHRISTMAS CAROL, a ghost of Christmas by Charles Dickens at the school’s Hughes Performing Arts Center, 6th and Atlantic Ave. Shows are set for Dec. 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 8 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. For tickets call (609) 399-1290 ext. 1442.(Dec. 7-8) The Ocean City Library Friends and Volunteers Winter Book Sale will be held
Fri., Dec. 7 from 3 to 8 pm. and Sat., Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Atrium of the Library, 17th and Simpson Ave. Fiction and non fiction hard and paperbacks for adults and children, CD’s and puzzles, special books, etc. will be available.(Dec. 8-10) The Ocean City Free PUBLIC LIBRARY has continuous events through the year. On Sat., Dec. 8 at 10 a.m., it has scheduled Edible House Centerpiece with Chef Chelius. On Sat., Dec. 9 it will feature a Holiday Festival from 2 to 4:30 p.m. with live music by the White Walls, free refreshments at Yanni’s café, a face painter, balloon sculptor and Santa bringing gifts. On Mon., Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. there will be a showing of the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life at 6 p.m. in the Lecture Room N110. For information about events and holiday Library Hours, call (609) 399-2434 ext. 5238.(Dec 8) SANTA PAWS: The Ocean City Humane Society, Shelter Rd. off Bay and Tennessee Ave., invites you to bring your pet to have its photo taken with Santa from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $10 per photo. Call (609) 399-2018.(Dec. 8) Amnesty International has scheduled a HUMAN RIGHTS DAY celebration featuring internationally known poet Lamont Steptoe at the Bayside Center at 7 p.m. Donations accepted. Call (609) 398-1934 or email shanley2001@Yahoo.com.(Dec. 8) Christmas at the TABERNACLE: The Angelus Choir with instrumentalists and soloists will perform 4 p.m., 550 Wesley Ave. Admission, free. The Tabernacle will also present a live Nativity Scene, 2 p.m. on the building’s grounds. Call (609) 399-1915.(Dec. 14-16) 2012 HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR: The annual production, produced and directed by Michael Hartman, returns to the Music Pier with a new show and cast of professional singers and dancers. Spectacular costumes, outstanding talent, high energy choreography combine for a memorable performance. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for senior citizens and children under 12. Special discounted school rates are available for morning show on Dec. 14 at 10:30 a.m. Contact info@oceancitytheatrecompany.com. Shows will be held on Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 15 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 16 at 2 p.m.(Through the Holidays) Every weekend through Dec. 23, photos with Santa in a Lifeguard boat will be available from noon to 3 p.m. at the Music Pier plus free horse and carriage rides these same hours starting at City Hall, 9th and Asbury Ave. Hospitality Nights are set for the downtown for Fridays, Dec. 14-21. There will be breakfast with Santa every weekend through Dec.23 at a different downtown restaurant, 8:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Call (609) 398-4662 for information.(Dec.22) The Ocean City Theatre Co. presents, Yours Truly, Jack Frost at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, show times 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. All tickets $10. Jack Frost outwits the evil Elvina who attempts to ruin Christmas. Fully staged by talented children 3rd to 8th Grade. Tickets available on www.ocnj.us or call (609) 525-9300.

Three events are scheduled for this weekend in Ocean City: The Trail of Two Cities 5K Race/Walk across the Causeway, The Earlier than the Bird Shopping “Extravaganza ” and a Tribute to Ted Prior, Ocean City’s legendary Elvis performer.

That we are once again able to hold our events, that people were walking, jogging and cycling on the Boardwalk on Saturday is a good sign. We are gradually returning to normal. But there are still plenty of people in the community in need of assistance.

OCNJCARE is a group of community volunteers with partner organizations that continues to help residents obtain the resources they need to recover. At this point the pressing need is for cash donations to assist people find temporary housing and to cover disaster related injuries. You can help by sending a check to OCNJCARE. Mail it to PO Box 807, Ocean City, N.J. 08226 or drop it off at Ocean City Home Bank, 10th and Asbury Ave. or access www.ocnjcare.org.

(Nov.17) The popular TRAIL OF TWO CITIES 5K originally scheduled for Nov. 3rd is set for this Saturday starting at 8 a.m. at the Ocean City Transportation Center, Tenth Street and Haven Ave. For Information call (609)525-9300 or, (609) 927-2053 Ext. 3101. Same day registration starts 7 a.m. at the Transportation Center.

(Nov. 17) A Tribute to Elvis performer, TED PRIOR will be held in the Green Room , second floor of the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, at 1 p.m. Please enter at the Music Pier front door on the boardwalk. The door will be marked. Prior performed in Ocean City for over 15 years, often donating his time to the community’s special events including the Humane Society’s Barks on the Boards. There will be tributes to Prior, his music will be played and his friends and fans will have an opportunity to comment. A star will be placed near his favorite dressing room in the Green Room. For information, call 609-525-9300.

(Nov. 17) EARLIER THAN THE BIRD: The City’s 4th Annual Earlier than the Bird Shopping Extravaganza will go on this year even after Hurricane Sandy has wreaked havoc on downtown shops, reports Marcia Shallcross, director of Main Street Ocean City. Merchants have been busy cleaning up, remodeling and merchandising to be ready for holiday shoppers. Those unable to be back in their stores may offer “Sandy SideWalk” Sales or the opportunity to buy store gift certificates. Many have asked how they can support their favorite stores and the answer is to shop and dine In OC, says Shallcross.

This will be a fun shopping day. The event begins at 7 a.m. and ends at noon. Those who shop in their pajamas will have the opportunity to win a free turkey. There will be free coffee, give- aways and many early bird specials. Santa will be roaming the Avenue. Shoppers will be able to sign up in stores to win $25 gift certificates. Visitors may drop off canned or non perishable food for the Ocean City Food Cupboard.

From noon to 3 p.m., there will be free horse and carriage rides, face painting and photos with Santa. Earlier than the Bird is brought to you by Main Street Ocean City and is sponsored by Sturdy Savings Bank and the Ocean City Tourism Commission.

Earlier than the Bird kicks off free events held every weekend in downtown Ocean City during the holiday season including free horse and carriage rides from noon to 3 p.m. starting at 9th and Asbury Ave. The Downtown will also offer Friday Evening HOSPITALITY NIGHTS Dec. 14 and 21 from 5 to 8 p.m., including evening shopping specials, entertainment, free horse and carriage rides, Santa and more. The annual CHRISTMAS PARADE will be held Fri., December 7 at 7 p.m. through the downtown. Breakfast with Santa will begin Nov. 24 and run through Dec. 23. For more information on the downtown, call (609)398-goOC or log onto www.downtownOCnj.com.

(Nov. 20) Holy Trinity Episcopal Church will host the Ocean City Community Thanksgiving Service on Tuesday, November 20th at 7:00PM. Holy Trinity Episcopal Church is located at 30th Street and Bay Avenue. The service, sponsored by the Ocean City Ministerium and the Ecumenical Council will include Thanksgiving hymns, the Presidential Thanksgiving Proclamation, and a Thanksgiving sermon. Reverend David Laquintano, Pastor of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church will deliver the sermon.

Mayor Jay Gillian will present welcoming remarks on behalf of the city and will read the Presidential Thanksgiving Proclamation. Members of the clergy from many Ocean City churches will participate.

A free will offering will be taken up to continue the work of the Ocean City Ecumenical Council that includes the Food Cupboard and Clothes Closet. You are encouraged to bring a contribution of non-perishable food items to be donated to the Food Cupboard as we continue to support the needy of our community to recover, revive and rebuild from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy.

Ample parking is provided. All are invited to attend.

(Nov. 22) The Fast and the Furriest 5K TURKEY TROT and One Mile Fun Run, a 5K run/walk Thanksgiving morning and 1 mile kids fun run benefits the Ocean City K-9 Unit and Ocean City Humane Society. Pre-register online at www.active.com. Registration 7 a.m. to 8:25 a.m. in front of the Music Pier. Race starts at 8:30 a.m. Applications available at the Aquatic and Fitness Center, Sneaker Shop across from City Hall and the Humane Society. For more information, call(609) 398-5068.

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — U.S. home builders broke new ground in September at the fastest pace in more than four years and permits also rose sharply in the strongest sign yet that recovery in the construction trade is becoming firmly entrenched.

Construction on new homes accelerated by 15% to an annual rate of 872,000 last month from a revised 758,000 in August, the Commerce Department said. The increase easily surpassed the 770,000 estimate of economists surveyed by MarketWatch.

Work on new single-family homes, which account for about three-quarters of the housing market, rose 11% last month….

2012 third quarter (July, August & Sept) closed sales totaled 190 homes as compared to last years 180 homes…. Showing a 6% increase in sold homes as compared to last years third quarter.

Ocean City’s Year -to- Date is UP 13%

Jan-Sept 2012- YTD: 2012 645 homes sold as compared 573 in 2011. This represents a 13% incerase in sold homes.

While average price remains about the same hovering at $560,000, we see signs of stability. Mortgage rates remain at near 30 year lows in the mid 3% for 30 yr loans. Its clear the time to buy is NOW before prices take off–again!

Ocean City celebrates one of its most popular events, the Indian Summer Weekend, for the 38th time Oct. 6-8. Centerpiece of the event is the mile-long FALL BLOCK PARTY that extends from 5th to 14th Sts. on Asbury Ave. on Sat., Oct. 6 and attracts more than 40,000 visitors. Over 350 juried crafters from throughout the east coast participate in the block party. An array of hand made products will be featured. Block Party hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A huge fireworks display is scheduled following the block party. The fireworks are fired from a barge off the 9th St. Beach at 9:30 p.m.

Block party events include a variety of foods. There is a popular Greek Food Festival that has been featured at the event every year since it began 38 years ago. Seafood, ribs, hot dogs, pizza, soft pretzels, bagels, baked goods and funnel cakes are offered and more.

Bands, clowns and other entertainers are featured along the block party route.

There are free pony rides for children at the Tabernacle grounds, 6th and Asbury Ave., from 1 to 4 p.m.

Public Service displays for non-profit organizations are set up on 9th St. between Asbury and Central Avenues.

In addition to the block party, there is a popular seafood center at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, Oct. 6-8, featuring local vendors. Ocean City merchants hold table sales on the Boardwalk and along Asbury Ave. between 6th and 13th Sts. during the weekend.

The second Annual Ocean City Boardwalk Music Festival at the Ocean City Music Pier and on the Boardwalk is set for Sat. and Sun., Oct.6-7 as part of the weekend. Live music starts at 4 p.m. with performances on the Boardwalk and inside the Music Pier. The music pauses during the fireworks display. Afterwards bands return to the Music Pier stage for a Bubba Mac Reunion Jam until 11 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, the festival features live Reggae music with local and regional bands from 1 to 9 p.m. at the Music Pier.

(Oct. 3) CYSTIC FIBROSIS Foundation hosts its 24th Annual Golf Tournament at Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point with a 7 a.m. Continental Breakfast and 7:30 a.m. Shotgun Start, plus Lunch for all players. There will also be a 1 p.m. Shotgun Start. Hors d’oeuvres, light fare and an awards ceremony are set for 6 p.m. Donation is $150 per golfer. To participate in the event, to make a donation or for sponsorship or volunteer opportunities please contact Myra Corcoran (609) 399-7890 or access cfgolf@comcast.net.

(Sept. 21 through Oct. 13) The Ocean City Repertory Theater, 813Asbury Ave., is presenting, The Odd Couple, Female version, by Neil Simon. Be sure to enjoy this hilarious show about the most mismatched roommates of all time, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m-9:30 p.m. Admission is $15.00. Call (609) 457-6686 or visit www.ocrep.org.

Want to be in the HALLOWEEN PARADE on Thursday, Oct. 25 starting 7:15 p.m.? Registration is available only on line at www.ochp.blogspot.com. There is no registration at the Sentinel as in previous years. For information call the Info Hotline–1-800-813-5580. Parade route is from 6 to 11th Streets on Asbury Ave., reports John Shirk, Parade Chairman.

The Greater Ocean City Theatre Co. is offering a full line up of theatre, dance and Music EDUCATIONAL Programming for Kids/Youth this fall. These are very worthwhile programs. For a complete listing of programs or to sign up, email info@oceancitytheatrecompany.com, call (609) 398-1118 or download registration packet on the education page on www.oceancitytheatrecompany.com.

(Sept. 7-9) The 38thAnnual STREET ROD Weekend features a Boardwalk display of cars from, noonto 4 p.m.on Sat., Sept. 8. Also on Saturday there will be a craft show at the Music Pier from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.and a Fashion Show in the Music Pier Auditorium at 1:30 p.m. The Van Dells, a popular singing group that performs favorites from the 50’s and 60’s will entertain in the Pier Auditorium at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the Music Pier Box Office, (609) 525-9248.

(Sept-5) The Ocean City Pops with the Ocean City Theatre Co. presents HAIRSPRAY at 7:30 p.m. in the Music Pier Auditorium. Tickets are $25/$18 at the Music Pier Box Office (609)525-9248 or access www.ocnj.us.

Also available at Museum Fred and Susan Miller’s new book OCEANCITYLEGENDS. Book also available at Sun RoseWords and Music in Ocean City. A great holiday gift.

(Sept. 14-16) The RED, WHITE AND BLUE WEEKEND: An all- class reunion of O.C. High School. For information visit www.ochsalumni.com.

(Sept. 15) Teams of Anglers from the Tri-State Region as well as families and individuals will compete for prizes and trophies during the 45thAnnual SURF FISHING TOURNAMENT. Sponsored by the Ocean City Fishing Club and City’s Recreation Division the legendary tournament attracts experienced Anglers, fish for fun families and teams of local businesses. Register at the Ocean City Intermediate School, 18 th and Bay Ave. from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m.For Information, call Mike Hayes (856) 466-9546 or mike@windoorfloor.com.

(Sept. 15) Ocean City’s Community Arts Project, (CAP) will hold a fund raiser 5K run/walk and 1 mile kid fun run on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Registration 7 a.m. and run 8 a.m. in front of the Ocean City Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. All pre- registered runners will receive a T Shirt, on race day while supplies last. Course will be entirely on Boardwalk. Awards for best over-all male and female runners and top age groups. Applications can be downloaded at www.communityartprojects.comor picked up at Chamber Welcome Center at 16 E. 9thSt.Call Louise Nunan (609)398-5068.

(Sept. 16) BOARDWALK AEROBATIC SHOW: 1 p.m., 6thto 14thStreets over Boardwalk and beach. Features some of the best stunt pilots in the world and Aerobatic Champions plus military demonstrations. Call 609-525-9300.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE OCEAN CITYLIBRARY , 17th and Simpson Ave. “Feel Safer In Your World,” an important program about protecting yourself from Identity Theft presented by Joseph Kash, three sessions, Sept. 5,12,19, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Main Lecture Room N110. Registration required for this free event. Call Karen (609)399-2434. For information about all of the Library’s free informative and entertainment events call (609) 399-2434, ext. 5238 or access www.oceancitylibrary.org.

ART EXHIBIT: The OceanCityArtsCenter17thandSimpson Ave., in cooperation with the Ocean City Fine Arts League, will be exhibiting the work by the South Jersey Plein Air Painters through September. Plein Air is another word for artists who paint outdoor scenes. There will be an artist’s reception Fri. Sept. 14 from7 to8:30 p.m. TheOceanCityArtsCenter’s fall classes begin September 10. Call (609) 399-7628 for information.

(Aug. 22) The Ocean City Pops presents DANCING & ROMANCING with the Pops, a tribute to the 1930s featuring dancers/ singers, the music of Berlin, Porter, Kern and Gershwin. Show time 8 p.m. at Music Pier. Tickets $20/$12 at the Pier Box Office, (609) 525-9248 or www.ocnj.us.

(Aug. 25) XANADU featuring the Ocean City Theatre’s Junior Company, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.at the Music Pier. Tickets $15 for adults, $13 for children under 12.Xanadu follows the adventures of the magical Greek Muse Kira, who descends from Mt. Olympus to inspire a struggling artist. For information, call (609) 525-9300.

(Aug. 26) The Ocean City Pops Presents, BROADWAY NIGHT, with Jeffrey Coon and Krissy Fraelich. Highlights include Irving Berlin, Paul Simon, Guys and Dolls, A Chorus Line and many others. Sponsored by the Samuels family in memory of Harriet Samuels. Time, 8 p.m. Tickets $15/$10 available at the Music Pier Box Office, (609) 525-9248 or visit www.ocnj.us.

(Aug. 29) The Ocean City Pops presents the KEYSTONE STATE BOYCHOIR, the only choir to have sung on all seven continents at 8 p.m.. They will exhibit their unique vibrant sound and compelling stage energy. Presented by the Masonic Club Ocean City and Friends of the Ocean City Pops. Tickets are $15 and $10, available at the Music Pier Box Office, (609) 525-9248 or www.ocnj.us.

(Aug. 31) Ocean City has an unusual way of welcoming the fall season. Four years ago, we initiated the Mr. Fall Gal and Mr. Fall Guy contest also known as the King and Queen of Plop competition. The event will be held on Fri., Aug, 31 at 11 a.m. on the 9th Street Beach opposite the Music Pier.Contestants are asked to greet the fall season, always a lovely time of year, by falling dramatically (and in slow motion) to the sand. Those performing the most dramatic renditions will be crowned the King and Queen of Plop.

(Sept. 2) LYNDA RANDLE in Concert. The winner of the Gospel Album of the Year award performs a tribute to Mahalia Jackson with Joey Gore on piano and Gale Mayes and Angela Prim, vocals, 7 p.m. at the Ocean City Tabernacle, 550 Wesley Ave., free admission. For information, call (609)399-1915.

(Sept. 2,4 and 5) The Ocean City Pops presents HAIRSPRAY in collaboration with the Ocean City Theatre Co., 7:30 p.m. tickets available at the Music Pier Box Office, (609) 525-9248, $25/$18. Sponsored by Primo Pizza, The Original Fudge Kitchen and Shriver’s Salt Water Taffy and Gelato.

(Sept. 7-9) The 38thAnnual STREET ROD Weekend, features classic cars on display at the Sports and Civic Center, 6thSt.off Boardwalk and on the Boardwalk, noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday. For information, call (609) 525-9300.

(Sept.8) Kicks for Clots, a kick ball tournament for the benefit of the National Blood Clot Alliance., 10 a.m. at the 5thand 6thSt. and Haven Ave. Soft Ball Fields. Enjoy a fun filled day of kick ball, music and food to help STOPTHECLOT.ORG. To register or become a sponsor, email cheryl.fishman@gmail.comor call (732) 406-1920. (rain date Sept.9)

(Sept. 9) The Ocean City Pops presents OUR THREE TENORS II, featuring Richard Troxell, Cody Austin and Zach Borichevsky. These three tenors will “knock your socks off.” If you are not wearing socks they will tingle your toes. Sponsored by Bart Greenspan and Stan Meltzer families, 7:30 p.m. Tickets $20 at the Music Pier Box Office, (609) 525-9248.

Every Wednesday until Sept. 12 there will be a FARMER’S MARKET at the Tabernacle Grounds, 6thand Asbury Ave.and crafters in the Fire House 6thSt.Parking lot 8 a.m.to 1 p.m.

(April 28) The Annual Ocean City YARD SALE will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tabernacle grounds, 5th and Asbury Ave. For information, call 609-398-4662 or stop at the Chamber of Commerce Office, 16 E. 9th St.

(April 28) The end to end FAMILY BIKE TOUR begins with 8:30 a.m. registration at the Sports and Civic Center, 6th St. off Boardwalk. Ride starts at 10 a.m. For details email ochsinteractclub@hotmail.com or call 609-399-1290.

(April 29) THE MARCH FOR THE BABIES South Jersey Shore is a five mile walk beginning and ending at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. Registration begins at noon and walk at 1 p.m. It will end with light refreshments, activities for children, music and face painting. Call 856-375-8215 or access www.marchforbabies.org.

If you find yourself in town this weekend, please give us a call to view some homes:

The annual Doo Dah Parade in Ocean City is this weekend! Adults and kids both enjoy this crazy parade where almost anything goes! costumes and sillyness galore!!

From the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce:

“Events begin on Fri., April 13 with the hilarious Basset Hound Olympics set for 1p.m. on the Tabernacle Grounds, 6th and Asbury Ave. Some of the 600 basset hounds that will waddle during the Doo Dah Parade the next day will display their athletic prowess.

The Doo Dah Comedy Show featuring famed entertainer and movie actor, Chuck Mc Cann, is set for Friday, April 13 at 8 p.m. at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. McCann, just back from appearances in Las Vegas, will delight you with his unique and versatile humor. He will be joined by professional impersonators of legendary comedians including Abbot and Costello, Groucho Marx, George Burns, Charo, Lucy, Jack Benny and Johnny Carson. They will offer a tribute to the late, great, comedian and friend of Ocean City, Soupy Sales. The show benefits the Ocean City Food Cupboard. Admission is $5 and/or canned or dried food for the cupboard.

Saturday, April 14: The 27th Annual Doo Dah Parade starts at noon. It goes from 6th and Asbury to 12th and Asbury, then to 12th and Boardwalk ending at the Music Pier. There will be over 600 basset hounds waddling for your viewing enjoyment, costumed characters from throughout the country, unusual brigades, special guest Elwood, the World’s Ugliest but Sweetest Dog, marching soccer players, impersonsators of legendary comedians, a contingent of bands led by the World famous hobos and much, much more.

Saturday, April 14, The fantastic but messy PieAsco will held at the Music Pier following the Parade. PieAscoites sit in grandstands and when the signal is given smoosh each other in the face with shaving cream pies. All smooshers receive a certificate signifying that they were definitely smooshed to show their friends and neighbors.

DOWN TOWN MERCHANTS will celebrate the Doo Dah Weekend with tax free shopping all weekend long, April 13-15, at participating downtown stores. For more information, call 609-398-4662.

Also during the Doo Dah Weekend, the Ocean City Free Public Library, 17th and Simpson Ave., is presenting Ocean City musician ANDREW HINK, playing Broadway tunes and his own compositions, April 13 at 7 p.m.; a program on the Titanic, Sat., April 14 from 1 to 3p.m. and PACKAGED GOODS, a local orchestra playing a Beatles Tribute on Sun., April 15 from 2 to 4 p.m.